The massive growth of Whitfield got another step forward with another set of homes passed for building.

Dover District Council's planning committee Aug 23 voted through last arrangements for 26 affordable houses and flats between Napchester Road and Arable Drive.

They will be part of Phase 1A of the Whitfield Urban Expansion, a programme to eventually build at least 5.750 more homes..

Councillors voted through a reserved matters application for arrangements such as access and estate roads appearance, landscaping, layout, scale and stopping up Napchester Road.

The application is by DDC but 35 letters of objection came from neighbours.

They said that the development was too dense, there was not enough parking provision and existing surface water flooding could be worsened.

Planning officers had recommended approval, saying the development was considered to be acceptable in all ways and affordable housing was needed.

The 5,750 homes will be created up to and beyond 2026, the end date for the current Local Plan.

It would make Whitfield grow, in housing terms, nearly four times its size in 2011 when there were 2,125 homes in the ward.

That is according to the census that year.

Major changes in Whitfield also include three planned new primary schools and the £26 million Dover District Leisure Centre at Honeywood Parkway, which is due to open early next year.

Phase 2 of the White Cliffs Business Park is also being developed.

Recent arrivals to Whitfield have included the Lidl store, which opened in Honeywood Parkway last December.